Hilary Cooper

I graduated in history at London University, then found teaching in London Primary Schools was hugely enjoyable. When I was seconded to take an Advanced Diploma in Child Development I discovered that there was no theoretical framework for teaching history, which led to my PhD in 'Young Children's Thinking on History'. And this led to my becoming a Lecturer in Education at Goldsmiths' College, London - which I also loved. Then my husband, who had just retired after 30 years in Inner London comprehensives, tossed the Times Educational Supplement at me. 'Aren't you going to apply for this?' he asked. The advert. was for a Director of Studies at Lancaster University Department of Education; the good bit was that it was based at Charlotte Mason College in Ambleside and within 3 months we were living in Grasmere. Bliss ended quickly, when the place closed down but, via st. Martin's College, I eventually became Professor of History and Pedagogy at the University of Cumbria. i am now Emeritus Professor but still enjoy working with children, teachers and colleagues in my publishing endeavours. I also love the opportunities to lecture abroad - in Brazil, Australia, Russia, to name but a few countries. Through annual conferences of HEIRNET (History Educators' International Research Network), held all over the world, which I set up with Dr. Jon Nichol in 2004 and through the journal we edit (The International Journal of History Learning Teaching and Education) i have made very good friends from every continent. I also like hill-walking, painting, opera and have become a 'bird and flower lady'!